Historic Building Appraisal 203 St. Teresa’s Church No. 258 Prince Edward Road West,

On 23 April 1932, the foundation stone of St. Teresa’s Church (聖德肋撒 Historical 堂) was laid by Bishop Henry Valtorta (恩理覺主教), the fourth Vicar Interest Apostolic and the first Bishop of (第四任宗座代牧及第一任香港 教區主教). On 18 December 1932, the new church, dedicated to St. Teresa’s of Child Jesus, was solemnly blessed and officially opened by Bishop Valtorta. It is the second oldest Catholic church in Kowloon: second to Rosary Church (玫瑰堂) in . The main hall was also built beside the Church; however, it was demolished in 1950 and replaced by the Caritas Centre (明愛中 心).

Most of the original congregation were Portuguese Catholics living in the Kowloon Tong and Homantin areas. During the Japanese Occupation (1941 – 1945), the Church’s pastors were allowed to pay services to the internees in the Argyle Street Prisoners-of-War Camp. After the change of sovereignty in in 1949, many Mainland missionaries settled in Hong Kong and joined the Church’s team. With this reinforcement the St. Teresa’s Parish was able to expand its services by running new schools and social welfare centres. Also, several new Parishes were born of St. Teresa’s, such as St. Cecilia in Diamond Hill, St. Peter’s in Kowloon Tsai in 1952. So, St. Teresa’s Parish became the Mother of several new Parishes.

The architectural style of this church is Romanesque Revival based on Architectural Roman and Byzantine elements, characterised by massive articulated wall Merit structures, round arches, and powerful vaults. Notable features include the basilican plan, semi-circular apse, central octagonal dome over the crossing, the bell tower or campanile and pantiled roof. The front entrance porch or portico is composed of a stepped pitched roof supported by arches springing from six columns with carved imposts and curled leaf shaped capitals in almost Persian or Egyptian style. The same style of columns is found internally forming arcaded aisles on each side of the nave. The pitched roof over the nave is supported by unusually shaped trusses.

The Romanesque architectural style is very rare in Hong Kong and St. Rarity, Teresa’s Church has obvious built heritage value. Alterations and additions Built Heritage have been carried out over the years and are well documented. No major Value & changes have been made to the church which is in nearly original condition and Authenticity therefore largely authentic.

St. Teresa’s parish is the largest parish in the Diocese with a Catholic Social Value population of over 33,500. It has more than ten schools and numerous & Local Catholic Centres for giving religious instruction. St. Teresa’s Church is a well Interest known local landmark in Kowloon Tong and a popular place for weddings.

St. Teresa’s Church is within walking distance of other historic buildings, Group Value such as Maryknoll Convent School (瑪利諾修院學校, Declared Monument) and S.K.H. Christ Church (聖公會基督堂, Grade 3).